Located in the Shining Rock Wilderness area, this grassy bald will provide you the same sort of piece of mind that only a glass of the finest red zinfandel can match. Combine the two and you'll discover nirvana. I think the images speak for themselves.

Big Bald is located on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. It's accessible only by hiking from Sam's Gap or Spivey Gap, via the Appalachian Trail. Either direction will require a 14-16 mile round trip hike (mostly uphill on the way in), but boy oh boy is it worth it. Obviously on a clear day you'll have a better view. These images were taken from the summit the second day of spring 2008. As its name implies it's a bald mountain similar to Black Balsam, Max Patch, Tennent Mountain, Sam Knob, and the Roan Mountain peaks.

There are plenty of places for camping along the way, and a water source near the summit. There is also a shelter just north of the summit.